Presence: Why Leaders Need to Show Up Powerfully

Victoria Canham • 12 February 2025 • 5 min read

"The way you carry yourself is a reflection of how you feel about yourself. Presence isn’t about perfection; it’s about authenticity." – Amy Cuddy

It’s easy to think of Leadership as just strategy, decision-making, or getting results, but true leadership begins with presence – that undeniable quality that commands attention, builds trust, and sets the tone for every room you step into. Contrary to popular belief, presence isn’t an innate gift; it’s a skill that can be developed and honed. Let’s explore why presence is critical for leaders and how you can cultivate it.

What Is Leadership Presence?

Leadership presence is more than just looking the part. It’s the combination of how you present yourself, communicate, and connect with others. It’s the energy and confidence you project, even when you don’t say a word. Presence is far from being the loudest in the room, it is the one who is confident, considered and generally calm, steady and deliberate.

We can all think of someone who exudes the ability to shift the atmosphere, inspires connection, and brings people together without having to overcompensate with loudness and bombastic behaviour. An excellent example, for me, of someone with a huge, powerful presence would be the late Nelson Mandela. Madiba is said to have had a magical aura to him – that is presence.

Great leaders make others feel seen, heard, and inspired simply by how they show up. Think of it as your leadership ‘aura’ – a mix of credibility, relatability, and authority.

Why Presence Matters

1. First Impressions Are Lasting Research shows that people form opinions within the first few seconds of meeting you. Your presence shapes these opinions, influencing how others perceive your competence, confidence, and approachability.

2. Commanding Attention in the Noise In a world full of distractions, a leader with presence cuts through the clutter. They hold attention effortlessly, ensuring their voice is heard when it matters most.

3. Fostering Trust and Respect Presence is a non-verbal cue that reassures others you’re in control. Whether in a crisis or routine meeting, showing up powerfully makes others feel safe, valued, and motivated to follow your lead.

4. Inspiring Performance People look to leaders for direction, motivation, and energy. When you show up with a strong, grounded presence, you elevate the performance of those around you.

How to Cultivate a Powerful Leadership Presence

1. Master Non-Verbal Communication

- Posture: Stand tall, shoulders back, and stay open. Avoid crossing arms or shrinking into your space.

- Eye Contact: Connect with your audience by holding steady, genuine eye contact. It conveys confidence and builds rapport. It pains me that this needs to be said, but put your phone down when you are speaking to someone.

- Voice: Speak with clarity, appropriate volume, and intention. Your tone should match your message. Remember you do not need to shout to get your message across, in fact, shouting is a sure way to have your message misconstrued or forgotten completely.

Side note: I had a Deputy General Manager once who used to slam her hands on the table and scream at the management team so loud that the guests could hear her (never a good look in a 5-star venue) and call her a "rabid dog" - this is not presence, this is ridicule. Stay in control of your voice and your temper.

2. Know Your Values

Leadership presence stems from authenticity. Reflect on your core values and let them guide your decisions, behaviour, and communication. When you’re clear on what you stand for, others feel it.

3. Stay Present in the Moment

Being fully present in conversations and meetings is crucial. Listen actively, respond thoughtfully, and avoid distractions. Leaders who are truly present make others feel valued and respected.

4. Dress the Part

Like it or not, appearance matters. Dressing appropriately for your role and environment conveys professionalism and respect. Find a style that feels authentic to you while aligning with expectations. I like my hoodies as much as the next person, but there is a time and place.

5. Develop Your Emotional Intelligence

Presence isn’t just about exuding confidence; it’s also about understanding and managing emotions – both yours and others’. Empathy, self-awareness, and adaptability are key components of emotional intelligence, which enhances your overall presence.

6. Practice Gravitas

Gravitas is the cornerstone of leadership presence. Cultivate it by:

- Speaking less, but with more impact.

- Pausing before responding to demonstrate thoughtfulness.

- Choosing your words carefully to ensure clarity and precision.

7. Invest in Personal Development

Presence is a lifelong skill to refine. Consider working with a coach, joining speaking clubs, or seeking feedback from trusted colleagues to identify areas for growth.

The Ripple Effect of Presence

A strong leadership presence doesn’t just benefit you; it uplifts everyone around you. Teams become more cohesive, meetings become more productive, and outcomes improve. By showing up powerfully, you set the tone for the culture, energy, and standards of your organisation. When you have presence, and the respect that comes with it, you'll find a lot less knives are out to get you.

In today’s fast-paced, competitive world, leaders who cultivate presence stand out. They’re the ones who inspire, influence, and create lasting impact – not because they demand it, but because their presence naturally commands it.

Final Thought

Remember, leadership presence isn’t about being the loudest in the room or having all the answers. It’s about showing up as your best self, consistently and authentically. When you focus on how you make others feel and how you carry yourself, your presence will speak volumes before you even say a word.

Ready to take your leadership presence to the next level? Let’s chat. Book a complimentary call today and discover how coaching can help you show up powerfully in every area of your life and career.

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Victoria Canham - Your Performance Partner

Victoria is an ICF-accredited certified professional coach, who offers personalised performance coaching. With a background in change management and countless hours of professional coaching training and experience, I made the big switch to full-time coaching in 2020. I know what it is like to suddenly have the rug pulled out from under you while you're busy making other plans, as a result, I now help people like you to bounce back from adversity and major setbacks to emerge stronger and better than ever before. Our clients have transformed from feeling overwhelmed by life's challenges to confident, goal-driven individuals who navigate life's obstacles with ease. They've achieved their personal and professional objectives and embodied peak performance in all aspects of life. You too can experience this transformation. This is your moment. Your chance to take control, to choose growth over stagnation, achievement over inaction. This is your opportunity to prove to yourself that you're not defined by your challenges—you're defined by how you rise above them. Are you ready to transform your life and achieve peak performance?

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